May 8th, 2018 – Giffords, the gun safety organization founded by former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords and Captain Mark Kelly, announced its endorsement of Chris Pappas, candidate for New Hampshire's 1st congressional district. Pappas is one of 11 candidates Giffords endorsed today as part of its #VoteCourage campaign to elect gun safety champions, and joins a growing list of endorsed candidates supported by Giffords in 2018.

Chris Pappas is a business owner who serves on the New Hampshire Executive Council and joined Giffords New Hampshire Coalition for Commonsense. As a candidate for the 1st congressional district of New Hampshire, Chris supports a range of gun safety laws aimed at keeping New Hampshire families safe.

“Chris has long been a champion for New Hampshire communities,” said former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, co-founder of Giffords. “He understands that in order to enact meaningful change, it’s critical to bring people from diverse backgrounds together to develop solutions. That’s why in order to tackle such a critical issue plaguing our communities like gun violence, we need leaders like Chris who bring a fresh perspective and the grit needed to not just talk the talk, but also walk the walk. This November, we will be fighting to elect Chris to Congress.”

Chris Pappas said, "I'm incredibly honored to have the support of Giffords in our campaign. For far too long, dysfunction and special interests in Washington have charted a course of inaction on the issue of gun reforms. Gabby’s and Mark's courage to fight gun violence is inspiring, and their work - including a broad coalition of support of gun owners and non-gun owners alike - is exactly how we will make a difference and save lives. We need more leaders like them willing to fight for common sense steps to prevent any more senseless deaths. I'm proud to stand with them and ready to take on that fight."

In February, Giffords launched the #VoteCourage campaign aimed at electing gun safety advocates to Congress and defeating politicians who have historically worked against gun reform, or done nothing at all to prevent gun violence. The political program is targeting incumbents in mostly suburban districts and uses a mixture of TV and digital advertising, on-the-ground organizing, and a voter registration push to create momentum for meaningful progress on gun safety.

The mass shooting at Parkland, Florida crystallized the country’s frustration with the lack of action to pass gun safety laws. Currently, the country is averaging nearly 34,000 deaths from guns every year, and recent polling shows that support for stronger gun laws is at an all-time high.

As a member of the NH legislature, Chris fought against attempts to weaken permit requirements and opposed giving gun makers legal immunity. As an Executive Councilor, Chris advocated for funding for law enforcement to keep our streets safe by targeting illegal guns and gang activity. He has earned the Moms Demand Action Gun Sense Candidate Distinction and was endorsed by the Pride Fund to End Gun Violence.

Giffords is a nonprofit organization dedicated to saving lives from gun violence. Led by former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords and her husband, Navy combat veteran and retired NASA astronaut Captain Mark Kelly, Giffords inspires the courage of people from all walks of life to make America safer.

MANCHESTER - Chris Pappas’s campaign for Congress announced today that he has earned the endorsement of the Pride Fund to End Gun Violence. The Pride Fund to End Gun Violence was formed after the 2016 shooting at Pulse nightclub in Orlando, and serves as a strong, concentrated voice of the LGBTQ community in the movement to stop senseless gun tragedies. Currently serving his third term on the Executive Council, Chris is the highest ranked openly gay elected official in the Granite State and would be New Hampshire’s first openly gay member of Congress.

“I’m honored to accept this endorsement of Pride Fund to End Gun Violence,” said Chris. Gun violence in this country is a human rights issue - especially for our community. The 2016 shooting at Pulse nightclub in Orlando was a tragic wake-up call and another example that we will not be safe until we take action -- especially the LGBTQ community, who are more likely to be the target of hate crimes than any other group in the United States. Action by Congress is long overdue. We must take steps to save lives by banning bump stocks, high capacity magazines, and weapons of war like the AR-15,” continued Chris.

“We endorsed Chris Pappas because of his demonstrated steadfast commitment to the shared ideals of so many Americans: equality for all citizens, and a work ethic that values the voices of constituents over manipulation by the gun lobby,” said Jason Lindsay, Founder and Executive Director of Pride Fund. The vast majority of New Hampshire residents support common sense gun reforms, and they deserve representation that will fight for their values over those of corporate gun manufacturers. We’re proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with Chris in his campaign for Congress and look forward to working with him when he is elected to make American communities safer from senseless gun violence,” continued Lindsay

Allyson Ryder, member of Governor’s Advisory Council on Diversity and Inclusion, Seacoast resident, and LGBTQ advocate, stated, “Chris Pappas’s roots as a lifelong Granite Stater means he is steeped in the issues and values that we all care about. As an outspoken advocate for the LGBTQ community and for common sense gun reform, Chris understands that we need action in Washington on the issue of gun violence. His election as the first openly gay Congressperson from New Hampshire would be historic and add another voice in the fight for the issues that matter to the LGBTQ community including full equality and curbing violence against our communities.”

Chris was the first candidate in the race to earn a distinction from Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America last week, and his gun reform platform is available at www.chrispappas.org/gunsense. As a State Representative, Chris was a leading advocate for equal rights and opposed efforts to loosen gun laws. As a member of the Executive Council and the highest ranked LGBTQ official in New Hampshire, he has stood firm against efforts to promote so-called conversion therapy, and he consistently speaks out to include transgender Granite Staters in non-discrimination statutes. Born and raised in Manchester, Chris Pappas runs the Puritan Backroom restaurant where he co-manages the restaurant's day-to-day business and more than 230 employees. He has received the endorsement of Senator Maggie Hassan, The Victory Fund, EQUALITY PAC, NEA-NH, IBEW 2320 & 490, IATSE 195, Manchester Police Union and Granite State Teamsters, along with many grassroots activists and local leaders from across the district. To learn more, visit www.chrispappas.org.

MANCHESTER - Ahead of planned protests this afternoon on the anniversary of the Columbine shooting, Chris Pappas hosted a listening session with local Manchester students to discuss school safety and common sense gun reform. Chris Pappas was the first candidate in New Hampshire’s First Congressional District to receive a Candidate Distinction from Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America.

Arway Chol, a sophomore at Central High School, told Chris, “I want to see laws passed. People shouldn’t have machine guns. Nobody would be able to stab 17 people and get away with it; it’s the guns that are killing people. We need to be serious about background checks; there shouldn’t be loopholes. The numbers of mass shootings are way lower in countries with gun laws.” She then asked Pappas, “If you win and you go to Washington, what are you going to do to help us?”

Chris promised to stand up for the students and for common sense gun reforms. “I support banning assault rifles, high capacity magazines, and bump stocks,” Chris said. “We need universal background checks; we need to raise the age that someone can purchase a firearm. And we need to change the minds of members of Congress to make sure that these laws get through.”

Davida Taluva, a sophomore at Central High School, talked about how gun violence has affected her family and the connections between racism and gun violence. “My grandmother doesn’t pray at mosque like she used to because she’s scared. It shouldn’t be like that,” Taluva said.

Students agreed with Pappas that the time has come to reinstate the assault weapons ban. “In every single mass shooting, that same gun is used. You’d think they’d take note of that and do something,” said Noah Chretien, a junior at West High School..

As a member of the NH legislature, Chris fought against attempts to weaken permit requirements and opposed giving gun makers legal immunity. As an Executive Councilor, Chris advocated for funding for law enforcement to keep our streets safe by targeting illegal guns and gang activity.

Born and raised in Manchester, Chris Pappas and his family own the Puritan Backroom restaurant where he co-manages the restaurant's day-to-day business and 230 plus employees. Since 2013, Chris has represented District 4 on the New Hampshire Executive Council, which spans 19 communities in Hillsborough, Merrimack, Rockingham, and Strafford counties. Chris is running for Congress in New Hampshire’s First District. Currently, he is in the midst of his “80 Ways to Meet Chris in 80 Days” tour, making 80 campaign stops across the district to hear from voters about what they care about and the challenges they face.

He has earned the support of Senator Maggie Hassan, National Education Association - New Hampshire, Granite State Teamsters Local 633, IBEW Local 2320, IBEW Local 490, IATSE Local 195, and Manchester Police Patrolman’s Association. Chris has also earned the support of numerous current and former legislators along with community leaders across the district. To learn more, visit www.chrispappas.org

MANCHESTER- Chris Pappas announced today that he is the first candidate in New Hampshire’s First Congressional District so far to receive a Candidate Distinction from Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America. Moms Demand Action is a grassroots movement of Americans fighting for new and stronger solutions to lax gun laws and loopholes. Since its inception after the tragedy at Sandy Hook, Moms Demand Action has established a chapter in every state of the country. In Partnership with Mayors Against Illegal Guns and the Everytown Survivor Network, the organization is part of Everytown for Gun Safety, the largest gun violence prevention organization in the country with more than four million supporters.

Chris stated, “I’m proud to stand with Moms Demand Action and their important gun sense priorities. Despite the dysfunction in Congress, I know there is a way forward to be found on this issue. More than 38,000 Americans lost their lives to gun violence last year, and we must take common sense steps to prevent any more senseless deaths.. We should start with implementing universal background checks and closing the gaps in the system. We should ban deadly devices like bump stocks and high capacity magazines, and we should reinstate the assault weapons ban.”

“I'm moved by the determination and understandable anger we're seeing from high school students, young people, and other concerned Americans who want to see an end to this tragic epidemic. I look forward to hearing from Granite Staters about the changes they want to see, keeping this important conversation going, and bringing these ideas to Washington to make meaningful change.”

Chris further announced a series of planned campaign stops to talk to students, parents, and educators about school safety and other issues of concern.

As a member of the NH legislature, Chris fought against attempts to weaken permit requirements and opposed giving gun makers legal immunity. As an Executive Councilor, Chris advocated for funding for law enforcement to keep our streets safe by targeting illegal guns and gang activity.

Born and raised in Manchester, Chris Pappas runs the Puritan Backroom restaurant where he manages the restaurant's day-to-day business and 230 plus employees. Since 2013, Chris has represented District 4 on the New Hampshire Executive Council, which spans 19 communities in Hillsborough, Merrimack, Rockingham, and Strafford counties. Chris is running for Congress in New Hampshire’s First District. He has earned the support of Senator Maggie Hassan, National Education Association - New Hampshire, Granite State Teamsters Local 633, IBEW Local 2320, IBEW Local 490, IATSE Local 195, and Manchester Police Patrolman’s Association. Chris has also earned the support of current and former legislators, along with community leaders across the district. Currently, he is in the midst of his “80 Ways to Meet Chris in 80 Days” tour, making 80 campaign stops across the district to hear from voters about what they care about and the challenges they face. To learn more, visit www.chrispappas.org.

EXETER- Senator Maggie Hassan endorsed Chris Pappas in front of a packed room at Water Street Books in Exeter this evening. Senator Hassan and Chris worked together while Maggie served as Governor and Chris on the Executive Council. They have fought for many issues that matter to New Hampshire, including implementation of the Medicaid Expansion, extending healthcare coverage to over 50,000 Granite Staters, and the restoration of state funding to Planned Parenthood.

"I have seen firsthand Chris’s deep commitment to building a stronger, more inclusive New Hampshire where all of our people can thrive," said Senator Maggie Hassan. "On the Executive Council, Chris has worked across party lines to secure additional funding to combat the opioid crisis, expand health coverage to more than 50,000 Granite Staters, and restore state funding for Planned Parenthood. As a first district voter, I am proud to endorse Chris for Congress because we need a bipartisan problem solver who will fight for hard-working people and who understands that New Hampshire always comes first."

"I'm proud to earn the endorsement of Senator Hassan. Here in the Granite State, we know how to roll-up our sleeves and get things done,” said Pappas. “While she was Governor, we worked together to help expand health coverage and deliver additional resources to invest in treatment and recovery, and I would be honored to join her as a member of the delegation to fight for New Hampshire values in Washington."

Born and raised in Manchester, Chris Pappas runs the Puritan Backroom restaurant where he manages the restaurant's day-to-day business and 230 plus employees. Since 2013, Chris has represented District 4 on the New Hampshire Executive Council, which spans 19 communities in Hillsborough, Merrimack, Rockingham, and Strafford counties. Chris is running for Congress in New Hampshire’s First District. Currently, he is in the midst of his “80 Ways to Meet Chris in 80 Days” tour, making 80 campaign stops across the district to hear from voters about what they care about and the challenges they face. To learn more, visit www.chrispappas.org.

MANCHESTER - Women leaders from across the First Congressional District including current elected officials, former elected officials, community leaders, and grassroots activists penned an open letter supporting Chris Pappas for Congress. The letter (full text included below) lays out the reasons why the leaders are supporting Chris stating, “Chris’s record of results reflects a moral compass, not a political one. Chris doesn’t just talk the talk -- he walks the walk. He’s been consistently pro-choice, believes that health care should be a right and not a privilege, and is a progressive small business owner. Chris has stood up for equal rights and for common sense gun reform, all while representing a district that has voted mainly for Republicans year after year.”

The signers of the letter will be leading an outreach campaign including house parties for Chris and writing postcards to other women voters in the district. Supporters will be added on an ongoing basis and the up-to-date list can be found at www.chrispappas.org/withchris.

The letter was signed by 45 women from across the district including Former Speaker of the NH House Terie Norelli of Portsmouth, Stefany Shaheen of Portsmouth, Mary Rauh of New Castle, and current State Senator Donna Soucy of Manchester. The letter was also signed by former Executive Councilors Dudley Dudley of Durham and Bev Hollingworth of Hampton; former State Senators Betsi DeVries of Manchester, Mandy Merrill of Durham, and Katie Wheeler of Durham; and former State Employee Associations President Diana Lacey.

Born and raised in Manchester, Chris Pappas runs the Puritan Backroom restaurant where he manages the restaurant's day-to-day business and 230 plus employees. Since 2013, Chris has represented District 4 on the New Hampshire Executive Council, which spans 19 communities in Hillsborough, Merrimack, Rockingham, and Strafford counties. Chris is running for Congress in New Hampshire’s First District. Currently, he is in the midst of his “80 Ways to Meet Chris in 80 Days” tour, making 80 campaign stops across the district to hear from voters about what they care about and the challenges they face. To learn more, visit www.chrispappas.org.

##

Why We Support Chris Pappas for Congress

At a time when our politics has reached a partisan fever pitch, we believe that Chris Pappas is the right leader at the right time for New Hampshire’s First Congressional District. Chris transcends divisions himself -- as a small business owner, a native son of New Hampshire, and the highest elected openly gay official in New Hampshire, Chris is a proven leader who has brought people together to find solutions to the issues facing Granite Staters.

As a longtime public servant, and as an employer, Chris is a proven feminist with a record of fighting for the wide range of issues that matter to us and many of you.

As an owner of one of the largest family-owned restaurants in New Hampshire, Chris understands how important it is to invest in your workforce and provide good wages and benefits. The Puritan Backroom, run by Chris and his family, offered health insurance to employees long before it was mandated by the federal government. They also offer a set of benefits that give employees the support and flexibility they deserve, because Chris believes nobody should have to choose between paying the bills and caring for themselves and their families. Thanks to Chris's leadership, the Puritan is setting an important example in an industry where these policies are not the norm.

Chris first ran for the Executive Council because five Republican Councilors - all men - defunded Planned Parenthood in New Hampshire. Once elected, he worked to restore that funding, protecting access to health care for women, men, and families across the state. He also provided the pivotal vote on the Council to begin implementing the state’s Medicaid expansion program which insures more than 50,000 people.

Chris speaks out about important common sense gun reform including his support for saving lives by implementing universal background checks, banning bump stocks and high capacity magazines, and reinstating the assault weapons ban. As a member of the New Hampshire legislature, Chris fought against attempts to loosen gun permit requirements and give gun makers legal immunity. As an Executive Councilor, he won funding for law enforcement aimed at reducing gang activity and removing illegal guns from our streets.

As an openly gay official in New Hampshire, Chris has always been a champion of inclusion and empowerment for everyone. He is a strong supporter of equal opportunity before the law and of making sure everyone has the ability to participate in our economy.

Chris’s record of results reflects a moral compass, not a political one. Chris doesn’t just talk the talk -- he walks the walk. He’s been consistently pro-choice, believes that health care should be a right and not a privilege, and is a progressive small business owner. Chris has stood up for equal rights and for common sense gun reform, all while representing a district that has voted mainly for Republicans year after year.

We’re with Chris because Chris is with us. Here in New Hampshire (and across the country), women’s issues are everyone’s issues. Chris Pappas gets this, and he is working hard to earn the support of each and every voter based on what matters to them and their families. We know that Chris shares our values. That’s why we’re voting for him on September 11th and committed to reaching out to women and families through a letter-writing campaign and gatherings in communities across New Hampshire’s First District.

MANCHESTER - Chris Pappas for Congress launches 80 Ways to Meet Chris in 80 Days, an effort to ramp up campaign stops around the district in the 80 days leading up to his official filing for Congress in June.

“New Hampshire’s First Congressional District is made up of 80 unique towns and cities across seven counties. I’m looking forward to visiting these communities to hear from as many folks as possible about the challenges they face and the issues they care about most,” said Chris. “New Hampshire has given me a lifetime of memories, experiences, and opportunities, and I am excited to continue the conversation about what we can accomplish when we come together. I am working hard to earn the support of the voters of this district the only way I know how -- one hand shake, one conversation, and one living room at a time,” continued Chris.

80 Ways in 80 Days officially launches this week with house parties in Barrington and New Castle, Democratic committee meetings in Epping and Lee, the Manchester Democrats’ St. Patrick’s Day Breakfast, and the March for our Lives in Portsmouth. Chris’s schedule of upcoming events can be found at www.chrispappas.org/80days with stops being added on an ongoing basis.

Chris’s campaign is a grassroots effort; his first fundraising report showed 83% of his donors were from New Hampshire. Donations came in from 99 New Hampshire cities and towns, and 65% of contributions were below 100 dollars. Chris has pledged not to accept money from corporate Political Action Committees. He has been endorsed by NEA-NH, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers 2320, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers 490, Granite State Teamsters, IATSE Local 195, and Manchester Police Patrolman’s Association.

If you have an idea for a campaign stop Chris should make as part of 80 Ways in 80 Days, please contact Megan Corrigan at mcorrigan@chrispappas.org.

NEW LONDON - Executive Councilor Chris Pappas will be at the National Education Association of New Hampshire’s Delegate Assembly today to accept the organization’s recommendation of his candidacy for Congress. The Delegate Assembly will take place at Colby Sawyer College’s Ware Student Center at 11:45 a.m.

“I’m honored to accept the support of NEA-NH,” said Pappas. “I’m the proud product of Manchester public schools and a strong supporter of public education. If elected, I will work hand-in-hand with educators and support staff to make sure our schools get the support they need. That means common sense gun laws so our students feel safe in the classroom, passage of the DREAM act to keep our best and brightest right here at home, and full funding for the public schools that lift up our children and our communities.”

“In our mission to support students, we have to fight for their safety and success,” said Megan Tuttle, President of NEA-NH. “We can’t think of anyone better to represent our members in New Hampshire’s First District than Chris Pappas. Chris grew up in the Granite State and attended public schools in Manchester. He is rooted in the communities of the district and has prioritized education throughout his career in public service as both a State Representative and an Executive Councilor. Educators and support staff need partners like Chris in Washington to help every student thrive.”

The National Education Association is the largest union in New Hampshire, representing more than 17,000 Granite State educators and support staff at all stages of their careers -- more than 8,000 of whom live in the 1st Congressional District. NEA-NH stands for promoting student achievement and protecting public school education. The NEA-NH Government Relations Committee met with candidates running in the 1st Congressional District on Saturday, March 10th. Following the interview process, the Government Relations Committee voted to recommend Councilor Pappas to the Executive Board, and they approved the recommendation last night.

Chris Pappas has fought for public education on the Executive Council by standing up to Republican efforts to divert funding from public schools. NEA-NH has been focused on making sure public schools are well-funded and equitably funded in the Granite State. Further, NEA-NH advocates for affordable college tuition, solutions to student debt, and universal preschool. NEA has been advocating on the national level for common sense gun legislation in the wake of school shootings across the country. NEA is further advocating for passage of the DREAM Act to protect the immigration status of young Americans who were brought to this country as children.

WHO: Executive Councilor Chris Pappas

WHAT: National Education Association of New Hampshire Delegate Assembly

In addition to the NEA-NH, Chris has earned the support of Granite State Teamsters Local 633, IBEW Local 2320, IBEW Local 490, IATSE Local 195, and Manchester Police Patrolman’s Association. For more information on Chris’s campaign for Congress, please visit www.chrispappas.org.